DURHAM — Hundreds of children waited in line at the Durham Town Landing Saturday morning to begin their hunt for colorful eggs.

Durham’s Parks and Recreation Department paired up with Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers to provide this fun activity the day before Easter. Stefanie Frazee, the director of the department, expected a huge turnout this year, considering it was their 20th year.

“We usually get between 300-500 kids. It starts at 11 and is usually over by 11:03,” she joked.

Frazee added that since this year was such a big celebration, they decided to add other activities.

“This year we have a story teller and provided refreshments so the kids could stick around longer,” she said.

The parks and recreation department passed out apple cider and fruit to parents and children. Most children, however, were more interested in their candy; most sitting down by the river to inspect their prizes. One participant told her mother, “I promise I won’t eat all the chocolate this time!”

Local storyteller Michael Lang set up shop down by the river, and was heard playing his guitar and telling children a story about Durham animals that can turn into humans. A life-size bunny sat nearby, posing for pictures with the children.

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Jennifer Vetter of the Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers blows the starting whistle for the 5 and under Easter egg hunt as the participants rush to the prized eggs in the background. (Mark Avery/Democrat photo)

In addition to Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers, members from Alpha Phi Omega sorority and Sigma Beta fraternity volunteered to help with the event. Donations were made by Stay and Play, McGregor EMS and the Durham Fire Department. McGregor EMS even sent an ambulance, also known as the bunny boo boo bus, over where kids were invited to “hop in to help a bunny feel better”. Inside they posed with pictures of a stuffed bunny rabbit covered with Band-aids.

Eagle Scout Forrest Mitchell stuffed several thousand eggs for the event, filled with candy from local business The Candy Bar. Many kids didn’t want to give up, however, still searching for eggs at the end of the event.

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Durham Firefighter, Scott McGrath, tries to coach his daughter, Taylor (2) on what an egg hunt is all about Saturday at the 20th annual Durham Easter Egg Hunt. (Mark Avery/ Democrat photo)